낙하산
nakhasan[na̠kʰa̠sʰa̠n]
The English word parachute is translated into Korean as 낙하산 (nakhasan). Wiktionary also lists 파라슈트 (parasyuteu) and 락하산 (rakhasan).
Meaning: device designed to control the fall of an object or person (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 낙하산 | nakhasan | [na̠kʰa̠sʰa̠n] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) | |
| 파라슈트 | parasyuteu | ||
| 락하산 | rakhasan | North Korea |
낙하산 is the most common and widely used term for a device designed to control the fall of an object or person.
Which one should you use?
낙하산 is the standard term for a parachute. While 파라슈트 is a loanword from English and can be used to refer to a parachute, it is not the standard term. 락하산 is a specific variation used in North Korea.
Is it said differently in some regions?
락하산 is the North Korean variation of the word.
How do you pronounce it?
nakhasan
Did you know?
- In Korean business contexts, the term 낙하산 is used metaphorically to describe a 'parachute appointment'.
- The word 낙하산 literally translates to 'falling umbrella'.
- The pronunciation of the North Korean variation 락하산 starts with a strong, tense 'r' sound that differs from the standard Southern Korean pronunciation.
Examples in context
- 낙하산이 있으면 모두 안전할 거예요.If there is a parachute, everyone will be safe.
- 낙하산이 잘 펼쳐졌어요.nak-ha-san-i jal pyeol-chyeo-jyeot-eo-yo.The parachute opened well.
- 낙하산은 매우 중요해요.nak-ha-san-eun mae-u jung-yo-hae-yo.A parachute is very important.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Minji are watching an action movie about skydiving.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo민지야, 저 낙하산 좀 봐!Min-ji-ya, jeo nak-ha-san jom bwa!Minji, look at that parachute!
- 민지 Min-ji정말 멋지다, 현우야.jeong-mal meot-ji-da, Hyeon-u-ya.It's really cool, Hyunwoo.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo낙하산 없이 뛰어내리면 어떡해?nak-ha-san eop-si tteu-ryeo-nae-ri-myeon eo-tteok-hae?What if they jump without a parachute?
- 민지 Min-ji영화니까 가능한 일이야.yeong-hwa-ni-kka ga-neung-han il-i-ya.It's only possible because it's a movie.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “parachute” translations and entries 낙하산, 락하산, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 낙하산, CC BY-SA 4.0.
